William Brand

He's up to 302. Welcome back.

I don't want them by next week. I want you to take your time. This is one item everyone can make and wear. Not too expensive. Functional. Please take all the time you need. Though the sooner the better.

Well, Kass. I am hoping that it is very cool. Have you given any more thought to patterns? <<<<said with a very hopeful lilt

William cleared his throat as Miss McDonough reached the holy ground. She straightened at once, having stopped just shy of the upmost step. "Cap'n." William fixed her with a serious expression and said nothing for a moment. He was seated at the poop deck on the larboard side with a chart in both hands and a satchel of documents resting beside him. He carefully plucked out one of these documents and stood up, his face still serious. He walked over to her and stood, sizing her up and down. She stood at an uneasy attention. After a time he opened the document and read aloud, "Article IX..." he began, then paused to look at her before continuing. "...that if any of the said Company shall in time of service be so Drunk & Incapable in time of Engagement that they do not fight and withstand the Enemy then they shall be Cut off or punished according as the Captain or Majority of the Company shall think fit." Then he smiled. It was as casual a smile as he could offer, and he changed the subject at once. "How found you the wine, Miss McDonough." "I...sah...I did not fin' it, as much as...it fo'nd me." Whether she had meant this as a joke or not the answer struck William deeply, and he laughed so suddenly and unexpectedly, that even he could not keep from snorting a little as he did so. He laughed freely for a moment, and when he began again, it was with some care. "Yes, but how did it find you, Miss McDonough? To your liking." "Past likin', Cap'n." "Very good, Miss McDonough. Medicine to your hurts." "Aye, Cap'n." she said, smiling a little herself. "Very well, Miss McDonough." He returned to his papers without another word, though he was heard to laugh quietly at least once more before four bells. July 26, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Four bells of Morning Watch

Actually, my mother-in-law bought me a powder horn, so I will probably use the trumpline for that. My main reason for the thread is actually covered by Gentleman of Fortune, for as he states, the subject is "one of the great under-discussed and under-researched subjects" and as such it needs to be researched. With the development of so many kits and camps for re-enactments, luggage and carrying bags must be brought under the scrutiny of the enthusiasts, so that we can instruct new pirates and ourselves on the best period items for kit. Example, I am a big fan of leather hunting bags, but I've had trouble discovering a period bag before the French and Indian War. Common sense says that they must have existed, but I prefer replication to speculation whenever possible. We are also making canvas bags from hemp (see the kass thread on hemp canvas), so we are hoping to reseach the subject in time to make some matching snapsacks and other bags prior to PIP next year. All hand sewn and tailored. EDIT: I meant to quote Foxe above, not GoF. I'm an idiot.

If I had a masthead I would fly the flag at half mast. You are in our thoughts.

In addition to clothes and other things, my Mother-in-law got me a townsman's wallet, a powder horn and a horn whistle for my kit. Goode woman. She made my linen shirts for PIP last year.

I should like to discuss the widespread subject of parcels, bags, wallets, sacks and the like. For example, the haversack. When did it first come into use? Or the snapsack? Or the Townsman's Wallet? Frankly, I would like images and historical examples of the earliest use of every item used as luggage or purse, i.e., haversacks, hunting bags, wallets, pouches, ditty bags, snapsacks, etc. Any help would be appreciated and period sources would be most appreciated.

We are all feeling a little bit better. Appetites are restored. Headaches are gone. Just sniffles and weakness now. On the plus side, my sainted Mother-in-law bought me a powderhorn and a townsman's wallet for my pirate kit.

Ahhh...that's the one. Too bad that it is so far out. When is the Florida Pirate festival? And where?

Ahhh, the oft debated ensign issue. It is true that I have seen so many conflicting sources on the use and look of period flags, that I too am careful to site any one source. Has this topic ever been conclusively discussed in Twill?

If memory serves, there is another pirate festival in Florida about the same time as Pirates in Paradise, so you might have two festivals to sail to.

Aye. Mind yer drunken feet.

On the merits of pure hobby, I would like to nominate Mister Patrick Hand. He is a historian of the most casual, yet accomplished demeanor. His presence is at once simple and commanding in a way that celebrates the idea without lauding the glory. He is a pirate's pirate. The able seaman. The avid enthusiast. First to lend a hand in spirit and in service to all who would not refuse him, and so willing to let others have the limelight, that this humble thin man has accomplished more silent honors among tavern toasters than any man who sits at the head of table.

In addition to all of the other fine fare served here on Christmas day, we must not forget the simple pleasure of new world chocolate. An added treat for many hundred years.

We will also need to discuss pennants and salutes when we are nearer to Martinique.

My best intentions for a party today on the Pub were scuttled by a case of food poisoning which hit my wife, son and myself. We are all doing at least a little better today, and we hope to be all, or at least mostly recovered by Christmas morning. Many happy returns to my friends and patrons her on the Pub. I have enjoyed your company thoroughly over the past few years.

July 26, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Three bells of Morning Watch William went through five candles during the night as he wrote out the details of the battle and the taking of prizes. He had also begun a calculation of profits, based in part on the ships themselves and the list of arms from Mister Youngblood and Mister Pew. He then catalogued all of the maps, charts and documents taken from the Maastricht, including the surprising discovery of a pardon. The document was folded neatly into a leather wallet prepared for just such a document. It bore the seal of the Royal Navy and the document itself was no forgery, having too many seals and signatures to be anything but the genuine article. William sat looking at it for nearly three quarters of an hour. The document presented the barer with absolution without question or contradiction. In fact, the document soundly stated that any name affixed to the document would see freedom upon presentation. There was room for at least two dozen names. William secured this unusual treasure away privately against some future possibilities.

I'll see that you get a key.

I say 'aye' now about as often as I say 'yes'.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

You can send it to Patrick care of William Pace, 143 South 4... kidding.

Well, perhaps I shall just use this for Watch Dog announcements and sundries.

You're hired. I'll have one of the after-cabins cleaned out for your use.

Mister Gage set into his morning routine with his own mug of "Morning Watch" on the galley table. He prepared the food intended for the noon meal with his usual care, careful to never waste one piece of fat or one morsel of bread. There was no shortage of food aboard, bit Lazarus had all too recently left the sea a half dead mariner himself, and he wasn't about to throw away the smallest crumb of food on the promise of stores ashore. Large chunks of fat and pork went into todays stew pot, along with parsnips and roots of half dozen varieties. Into this he added rum and spices, stopping many times to taste as the food came to a slow boil. He was mindfull to check and re-check the fire, for an accident of cinders was also a concern he did not take to lightly, especially with the galley so far aft. All the while, the young, but admirable Steward brought him plates and cups, spoons, knives and all manner of crockery. He was flattered to find both plates and bowls wiped clean with bread, and he said as such.